Ted Rosenthal Trio – Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 (self-released, 2025)
Ted Rosenthal returns to the western classical tradition with Classics Reimagined: Impromp2, a new trio album that revamps familiar concert themes through a modern jazz lens. The recording continues the pianist’s long-running exploration of western classical material, following earlier projects such as Impromptu and Rhapsody In Gershwin.
The combo on Impromp2 includes Rosenthal on piano with Noriko Ueda on bass and drummers Quincy Davis and Tim Horner. Clarinetist Ken Peplowski and violinist Sara Caswell appear as special guest. The album delivers a fine and virtuosic mix of chamber-jazz, spontaneous improvisation and charming swing.
Rosenthal, winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, has released nineteen albums as a leader, including four new titles in 2025 that feature reimagined classical works, original pieces and his arrangements of the Great American Songbook. His trio version of “Rhapsody In Blue” on Rhapsody In Gershwin reached the top spot in jazz album sales at major digital retailers, while Wonderland drew national attention as a New York Times holiday pick.
Rosenthal’s work extends beyond the trio, from the jazz opera Dear Erich for New York City Opera to concertos such as Jazz Fantasy for piano and orchestra.
Teaching posts at The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, along with an active touring schedule and frequent masterclasses, keep Rosenthal at the center of contemporary jazz education.